9 Iconic Fashion Show Venues

From 2006, Karl Largerfeld held almost every one of his Chanel runway shows at the Grand Palais in Paris. This historical exhibition and museum space has some of the most incredible architecture in the city. Its glass dome roof and gothic detailings remind us just how old the building is, and how much skillful craftsmanship went into its creation. Over the years, Chanel has added some special details to make the Grand Palais even grander. For the Fall/Winter 2017 show, the brand placed a replica of the Effiel Tower in the venue to give the perfect Parisian feel. 

Dedicated to highlighting the work of the late Pablo Picasso, the Musée Picasso in Paris is a great fashion show venue. For its Spring/Summer 2018 show, Jacquemus took over one of the art museum's grand hallways. Walking in front of ivory walls, and down a black iron-railed staircase, the venue truly gave off a regal energy. It provided the perfect neutral, yet elegant backdrop for the clothes to truly shine. 

The New York City Bar Association is not just a place for lawyers. The iconic building has been used in the past as a venue for fashion shows. The building is housed with old New York architecture and grand bookcases that create a homey, yet academic feeling. For the Fall/Winter 2016 show, Sies Marjan took over one of the Bar Association's libraries and had their models walk in front of a giant bookcase. The setting is picturesque, and not one that would commonly be thought of as a fashion destination. 

Dating back to the 1500s, the Hotel de Ville is one of Paris' most memorable landmarks. Although it's called the Hotel de Ville, the building is actually home to the city's local administration. At night, the front of the grand building is lit up by lights, giving it a truly mesmerizing look. For the Spring/Summer 2019 show, Stella McCartney used the Renaissance-painted hallways to host her show. As models walked down the wooden floors, their outfits were looked down on by beautiful paintings on the ceiling. These paintings are what the building is known for, and add an extra touch of elegance. 

For the Cruise 2020 show, Louis Vuitton took over the newly renovated TWA Hotel. Before the show, no one knew what the hotel looked like. It brings you back into the '70s and '80s airline days with its design. Big white details and domed furniture make this hotel a true blast from the past. The hotel is actually located at John F. Kennedy International Airport, making it a luxury airport hotel experience. 

When we think of fashion shows, subway stations aren't typically the venue that comes to mind. For his Spring/Summer 2020 show, Tom Ford took over an abandoned platform at the Bowery subway stop on the J/Z line in New York City. The station is covered in graffiti and decorative mosaic tiles, as it has not been used since the construction of Canal Street. Ford got permission from the city to host his fashion show in the abandoned station, and it has become one of the most iconic shows Ford has ever done.

Located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Temple of Dendur is an ancient Egyptian temple. It was built around 15 B.C. by the Roman governor of Egypt, Petronius. It was dedicated to the Egyptian gods Iris and Osiris and is now on display for Met visitors. For the brand's Métiers d'Art 2018 collection, Chanel had a mini Met Gala moment by hosting their show outside of the temple. Models walked in front of and around the temple in elegant gold and white outfits. 

For the Spring/Summer 2018 collection, Dumitrascu took its collection underground. The Berlin brand took over the Paris Métro and used it as a runway. Models walked on the platform and even alongside the moving trains. The brand didn't shut down any of the stations, so regular commuters were a part of the experience. 

For their '70s-themed collection, Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya took their crowd back in time for the Fall/Winter 2019 show. The duo held the show at the iconic Apollo Theater and paid tribute to the days of the '70s and Black culture. The show was hosted like a block party, and even had two '70s cars rented as props. It was a groovy night for fashion and added a new iconic performance to the Apollo Theater's list.